From "Workplace Center" to "Living Field": a Socio-spatial Perspective the Rise of Digital Nomads - The Case of Dali, Yunnan Province

Abstract

In contrast to the "workplace" centered work model in first-tier cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, which focuses on physical division and prioritizes efficiency, the work and income model of Dali digital nomads is centered on "life", which deeply integrates daily life and work, and demonstrates the pursuit of individual autonomy, flexibility, and quality of life. In contrast, the work and income model of Dali digital nomads is centered on "life", deeply integrating daily life and work, and demonstrating the pursuit of individual autonomy, flexibility and quality of life. Based on the natural environment, low cost of living, and an inclusive atmosphere, Dali has reshaped the social significance of urban space through open urban spaces and community-based collaboration. The emergence of this phenomenon stems from three core mechanisms: firstly, the openness and diversity of Dali's urban space provides Travellers with freedom of practice; secondly, cohabitation and collaboration in the community strengthens the Travellers' social ties and sense of belonging; and lastly, through the structural reorganization of the urban space, Dali, as a nontraditional economic center, has achieved the transition from a "center of workplace" to a "center of life". Finally, through the structural reorganization of urban space, Dali, as a non-traditional economic center, has realized the transformation from a "workplace center" to a "living area". From a socio-spatial perspective, the Dali digital nomad phenomenon constructs a unique urban spatial logic and provides important insights for urban development and social innovation in the interaction between globalization and localization.